Ty Simpson will “definitely” play preseason finale, Sean McVay undecided on backup QB

The Rams have the reigning MVP at starting quarterback, but their QB2 is still to be determined.

Head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that he’s still undecided as to who will be Matthew Stafford’s backup between Stetson Bennett and first-round rookie Ty Simpson.

When gathering data to help make that determination, McVay said the Rams will “definitely” play Simpson in this week’s preseason finale against the Chargers while Bennett may or may not get on the field.

“I’m just truly taking things a day at a time,” McVay said, via Benjamin Royer of the Southern California News Group. “Today, Stetson took nine of the 15 reps [with the second team]. Ty took six of them. As far as what we’re doing with the game, you know we haven’t even gotten into that.”

Bennett is entering his fourth season but has not been in a regular-season game. Jimmy Garoppolo has served as Los Angeles’ backup quarterback for the last two seasons, but he has not been back with the club in 2026 as he contemplates retirement.

Bennett was 19-of-31 for 181 yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns in the Rams’ preseason matchup with the Saints on Saturday. Simpson finished that contest 8-of-12 for 73 yards.

The Rams will be the “away” team when they play the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night.